The Oyo State chapter of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has appealed to the government and judiciary to temper justice with mercy in the case involving Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM, the Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, Abdullah Fasasi and, Ex-Queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola.
The trio have been remanded in connection with a tragic incident at a children's funfair event in Ibadan on Wednesday, 18th December, 2024.
The faith based professional body appealed for compassion for the three personalities in a statement issued and signed by its State Chairman, Alh Adebayo Abdurrofih in Ibadan.
It sympathized with the families of over thirty children who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident, and prayed to Allah to grant them the strength to bear the irreparable losses.
According to the MMPN, the actions of Oriyomi, Naomi, and Mr Fasasi were motivated by kindness and a desire to give back to the community, and not with the intention of killing innocent souls.
The organization believes that incarcerating Oriyomi, Olori Naomi and Mr Fasasi for a long time or punishing them may discourage others from engaging in charitable acts.
The statement reads in part, "The MMPN is calling on the government and judiciary to take a compassionate approach in this case, considering the positive contributions that Oriyomi, Naomi, and the Principal have made to the society.
"The organization believes that by tempering justice with mercy, the government and judiciary can demonstrate their commitment to upholding the principles of justice, compassion, and fairness. For us in the MMPN, the concept of tempering justice with mercy is not new and is, in fact, a fundamental principle of justice."
The MMPN noted that the Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, had taken necessary steps by directing Alhaji Oriyomi to the ministry of Education for necessary approval before allowing the use of the school premises for the event (evidence in public domains supports this claim).
It observed that Olori Naomi had also invited Government officials to the event as video evidence of her visit to one of the state commissioners ahead of the event is already in public domain.
This, according to the MMPN, shows that Naomi was transparent in her actions and had no ulterior motives.
The MMPN appealed to the government and judiciary to consider the circumstances surrounding the incident and temper justice with mercy.
It further enjoined public spirited individuals, groups and organizations who may be planning similar programmes not to shy away from taking necessary measures to avert such unfortunate occurrence.
END.
